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Presenting to VCs can be like visiting an angry proctologist. It's their job to poke and prod, but some VCs seem to relish your discomfort a little too much.

I recently had the pleasure of approaching Apex about a new business concept. I've had prior dealings with Lon Chow and was reminded, after our meeting, why I want to work with them again. The Apex team is one of the more collaborative and down-to-earth groups I've encountered.... maybe it's the midwestern values or something. Lon thinks like a team member who's trying to help you figure out your business and make it better. He very quickly shifted from 'listening mode' to 'collaboration mode', and was full of helpful advice on next steps and potential hires.

In my mind, that's what distinguishes good VCs from bad ones: the best VCs are collaborators who are out there on the front lines with you, shoulder-to-shoulder. As I'm pitching my 'next big thing', I want collaborators on my board -- not proctologists -- and so Apex is on my shortlist.